Albizia julibrissin

Albizia julibrissin, also known as the Persian silk tree, is an ornamental, deciduous tree with a broad, parasol-shaped crown and finely feathered leaves that fold at night, giving the tree its name. The tree blooms in July and August with showy, fluffy, pale pink flowers with long, silky stamens, attracting many bees and butterflies.

The tree can grow to a height of 4 to 15 meters and has a characteristic, spreading growth habit. The leaves can be up to 40 cm long and resemble fern fronds, composed of many small, sickle-shaped leaflets. Albizia julibrissin prefers a sunny, sheltered location and is moderately hardy to around -10°C, although young trees require extra protection from frost.

In traditional Chinese medicine, this tree is known as the "tree of collective happiness" and has been used for centuries as a remedy for grief and as an antidepressant, sometimes referred to as " herbal Prozac ." In addition, Albizia is a legume that can fix nitrogen in the soil, which is beneficial for soil fertility.

Pascal Brackman